Premium South Korea - 9 Days

Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to Korea. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Seoul, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After meeting your fellow travellers and trip leader, you’ll head out on a short walking tour of modern Seoul and the Myeong-dong entertainment district. Then, sit down to a group welcome dinner of Korean lamb skewers on a high-tech self-turning grill with veggie sides and rice. Learn more about Korean local food over dinner and drinks, then walk along the tranquil Cheonyecheon stream to the Gwangjang or Dongdaemun night markets.

This morning you’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty which dates back to 1395 – and Bukchon (the North Village) – home to many hanoks (restored Korean houses). From here, head to the home of Daniel Gray, the food expert that worked on Netflix's Street Food Asia Seoul. Sit down for a lecture on Korean food history, then enjoy a homecooked lunch, tasting local delicacies and drinks from all over the country. After returning to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a North Korean defector to hear their harrowing tale of struggle, and ultimately, triumph. The evening is then yours to explore at your own pace or rest at your accommodation.

Rising early, it’ll be a thought-provoking morning as you visit the South Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). You’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided ever since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression and Imjingak Peace Park. After some free time for lunch, a private transfer will take you to the picturesque village of Jeonju. Dinner will be at a traditional bibimbap restaurant – the bibimbap here is listed as the representative bibimbap of Korea!

Start the day with a visit to a brassware store and workshop and learn about the craft from the craftsman himself, then walk around the hanok village and learn about Jeonju's art culture. You’ll then hop in a private transfer and drive to Damyang where you’ll head out on a scenic bamboo forest walk. Try some of the popular bamboo ice cream and for lunch, another local delicacy, tteok galbi (marinated and charcoaled beef). You can then stretch your legs on a walk around Damyang, stopping in at the local shops and parks. Head back to Damyang, where the evening is then free for you to choose your own adventure.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, visit a local potter’s workshop to see him make iconic large clay fermenting pots, used for making onggi (kimchi). After, you’ll drive to Gayasan National Park on Mt Gaya to check out Haeinsa Temple – your incredible Feature Stay for tonight. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Three Jewels Temples representing Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings). When you arrive, you’ll have some tea with one of the monks to learn about his life here, the history of the temple and his story. Following the temple’s schedule for the rest of the day, take an afternoon orientation tour of the temple with a local guide, then sit down for dinner as a group. You’ll have the chance to experience the Buddhist samul (music ceremony) and join in the evening chant.

Bid your farewells to Haeinsa Temple and head to the islands of the Shinan archipelago. When you arrive, visit the historic coastal city of Mokpo, home to Mt Yudal and South Korea’s proud naval heritage. Take the longest and highest cable car in South Korea up the mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. On your way to your hotel for the evening, you’ll meet a local music troupe that will teach you Korean folklore while playing traditional instruments like the 12-string Gayageum. Your evening is free to explore Mokpo with its lively atmosphere, local restaurants and seafront promenade.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Mokpo Harbor and take a ferry to Jeju Island. After checking into your accommodation, your leader will take you on a tour of the island’s east coast. You’ll visit an orange farm for a citrus-themed refresh, then head to Seongsan Ilchulbong (translating to castle mountain). Nicknamed Sunrise Peak, this gorgeous viewpoint was created by volcanic activity in the sea about 5000 years ago. This is also the first site in Korea to ever be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s now one of the most popular scenic destinations in Korea. Take your time enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean, Udo Island, Mt Hallasan and the volcanic landscape. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll have a free evening to enjoy as you wish.

This morning after breakfast, your exploration of Jeju Island will extend to the island’s west. Visit Jeju Green Tea Farm to learn about the strong tea culture here and take photos in the rolling fields. Take in the impressive sight of Mt Sanbansan this afternoon – a huge lava dome often circled with clouds, creating a mystical atmosphere. Take a walk along the Olleh hiking trail and see how the layers of stacked sandstone make for an otherworldly scene. Stop for lunch at the local market, then meet with a local Haenyeo – one of the local women divers within the community who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea. Learn about the local fishing culture here and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving. Head out to a final dinner with your group at a local black pork barbecue restaurant to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in South Korea, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.